The official Checkpoint Zoo movie trailer has arrived, offering a powerful and heartbreaking look into a story of extraordinary courage and compassion amidst the chaos of war. Released by distributors like Abramorama, this trailer serves as a compelling introduction to a documentary that highlights the incredible efforts to rescue animals trapped in a war zone. This first look is not just a preview of a film; it is a profound testament to the human spirit.
Check out the Trailer below from YouTube (see more trailers).
Key Details on the Checkpoint Zoo Trailer
The trailer for Checkpoint Zoo immediately immerses viewers in the terrifying reality of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. It opens with the visceral sights and sounds of war, a stark contrast to the vulnerable animals caught in the crossfire. The documentary focuses on the heroes—the zookeepers and volunteers of Kharkiv’s Feldman Ecopark—who, with a shocking lack of resources, risked everything to save thousands of animals.
The trailer masterfully builds suspense and emotion, chronicling a 71-day rescue mission filled with moments of heart-stopping danger and tender compassion. We see glimpses of a man named Olexandr, who offered his home as a shelter for the animals, and a team fighting for the survival of “every one of them.” The footage, sourced from both professional cameras and the volunteers’ phones, is raw and unflinching. It showcases the brutal shelling of the zoo while also capturing the profound connection between the rescuers and the creatures they were saving. The narrative is a powerful blend of wartime peril and the quiet, desperate hope found in selfless acts. The trailer’s central message—that heroism can be found in the most unexpected places—is a theme that resonates deeply and promises a documentary that is as suspenseful as it is moving.
For those looking to learn more about the film, Checkpoint Zoo is a compelling documentary directed by Joshua Zeman. The main cast of Checkpoint Zoo consists of the brave individuals who lived through the events, including Oleksandr Feldman, Vadim Vorotynskyy, Vitalii Ilchenko, and Svitlana Vyshnevetska. The film is set to have a limited theatrical release date on August 15, 2025. This powerful documentary, which has already received critical acclaim at film festivals, is a must-watch for anyone who believes in the power of hope and the extraordinary bonds between humans and animals.